Although the benefits of meditation have long been known in other parts of the world, the practice only became popular in the Western world during the latter 20th century. While some people prefer to meditate in solitude, others opt to join a meditation group or participate in a meditation retreat. The main advantages of participating in a meditation group depend largely on the type of group it is, whether an instructed class, overnight retreat, or self-directed group.
Meditation classes are offered at various community centers, yoga studios, YMCAs and YWCAs. Meditating with a class of other people who are also learning the practice can be especially helpful for beginners, who may not feel comfortable meditating alone or with others who are more experienced. Being guided through the process by an experienced instructor can also be of great benefit to a beginner, who may become lost or distracted while meditating alone. Although some meditation classes charge for enrollment, there are others that are offered free of charge, which is a great advantage to students, low-income earners, and those who would rather try out a session before they commit to signing up for the class.
A meditation group that assembles as part of a retreat might be offered through a school, wellness center, or monastery. Meditation retreats are typically held in fairly remote locations and are usually at least a few days in duration. Locations that are difficult to access are considered ideal for meditation retreats, as they offer a respite from the distractions of mainstream society and are difficult to leave without planning in advance. Meditation retreats are often led by instructors who practice meditation as part of their daily regimen, and could teach meditation techniques that might not be known by a less-qualified part-time class instructor.
Those who wish to practice meditation with others but don’t necessarily need an instructional component might form or join a self-directed meditation group. This type of group usually runs democratically, with members agreeing on how the meditation should proceed, when and where to meet, and for how long. The advantages of a self-directed group are that it’s flexible, affordable, and tends to be more sociable than a formally-instructed class or retreat.